New Web Series From “Slay Utterly” Director Stuart Wahlin

"The Miskatonic Files" is a brand-new web series coming this summer to a dark corner of the interweb from “Slay Utterly” director Stuart Wahlin. The series is based on characters from short film, “Mictlantecuhtli”, which introduced college professors Patrick Blake and Dr. Jack Owen. Daren Marlar and North Roberts have signed on to reprise their roles as, from installment to installment, they find themselves confronting the unknown.

According to the statement made on the series Facebook page, “While the series centers on these characters, it also provides a great opportunity to introduce new ones in each episode, some of which may be recurring (hint-hint, actors). Depending on how well the series takes off, and my deepening workload with other projects, like Slay Utterly, it's possible I may be looking for guest writers and directors down the road, too (hint-hint, filmmakers). In the near future, we'll probably release Mictlantecuhtli as a sort of pilot episode while we're producing new ones.”

Check Out The Promo Poster For “You Found Me”

I am so thrilled to be posting this story. I have been waiting for the announcement of “You Found Me” feature film finally going into pre-production. It has been awhile since any news has come out about this film, Now Lawrence Nelson has posted this cool promo poster on the film’s official Facebook page announcing the film’s production.  Party!

“You Found Me” the feature film is an adaptation of the quick but gore-ific short film which was picked up by Black Flag TV back in 2012. The feature adaptation was put on hold so that Nelson could focus on the slasher horror “The Mangled”. So this is news that has me amped. “You Found Me” has already signed Christina Schimmel, Robert Mukes, Alex DeVivo, Deborah Funes, and John Johnny to the cast. 

Monsters, Gangsters And Holiday Cheer: My Interview With “Christmas At Dracula’s” Director Simon Mckeon

Simon Mckeon is a young director from Ireland with a love for cult cinema and movie monsters, who is about debut his first feature film, “Christmas At Dracula’s”, a dark but humorous satire featuring the most iconic movie monsters of all time. Not only Dracula, but The Invisible Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, Dr. Jekyll and The Wicked Witch all make their presence known in this satirical yet dramatic feature.

I had the privilege of interviewing the indie director who names his influences for cult cinema on some of the modern, powerfully impressionable, indie films such as "Rocky Horror Picture Show", "The Big Labowski", and "Evil Dead". Films which serve as a well of inspiration for Mckeon as he sets forth in his film career both in his native Ireland and the rest of the world. Read my interview with Simon Mckeon below.

ASouthernLife: "Chrismas At Dracula's" reads a bit somber but there is some classic satire present, how did you come about the story for this film?
Simon Mckeon: I always had a love for Cult cinema when I was younger, the more crazy and out there the film was, the better! I had just finished school and instead of just lazing around and doing nothing, I decided to write a screenplay. I was about to start film school anyway, but I figured it’d be pretty cool if I had a completed script by the time I started. But then writers block kicked in. I had nothing! I knew I wanted to write a film that fans would label a "cult classic" in years to come. That’s really all I had. I toiled with a few ideas, but none of them really grabbed me. I went back and studied some of the classics of Cult cinema, "Rocky Horror Picture Show", "The Big Labowski", "Evil Dead". And I noticed that all these films had a connection, they all had outlandish plots. Their titles seemed a bit off the wall and they all had a sublime mix of humor and drama. I felt that in order to stand out from the others, especially in Irish cinema, I had to make my first film quite different from the films that other directors might make as a debut. With my studying of Cult Cinema done, I began brainstorming ideas. What if I wrote about a character people are familiar with - Santa Clause? Sherlock Holmes?...Count Dracula! And what if I threw a curve-ball into the equation and put this iconic character in a setting people aren’t normally used to seeing them in?

ASouthernLife: So how did Christmas come to play into the idea, seeing that Dracula is normally associated with Halloween horror”?
Simon Mckeon: I felt that this idea would be a lot of fun to play around with. Having Count Dracula as my main character and have the basis of the film about him throwing a party, I knew that it was going to be a rogue gallery of classic horror characters that would attend. I began researching these famous hammer horror icons, from Frankenstein’s monster to The Invisible Man, like what I did with Dracula, I gave them all little quirks (to make them that but different from what the audience perceive them to be), Dr Jekyll is a recovering alcoholic, The Wicked Witch is a cocaine addict and Frankenstein’s monster is a homosexual. I tried to give them all "real" problems that we ourselves have to deal with. Thus giving these horror characters a more real-feel (if you get me). While this does seem like a comedy, I had to respect the horror roots all these characters have so the film does stay loyal to the horror genre, as the plot progresses it gets gradually darker. Long story short - it’s very much an homage to my love of cult cinema.


ASouthernLife: The characters are icons of the monster movie genre and Christmas has become like a second Halloween in the horror community, have you always wanted to do a Christmas movie?
Simon Mckeon:  Funnily enough, I had no intention of making a Christmas movie! And there’s a story behind how it came to being set
at Christmas.

When I had completed the first draft of the script, Dracula was actually throwing a Halloween party! It wasn’t until I gave the script to another screen-writer I know, (Mike O’Dowd, who plays Dracula’s companion Igor in the film), that he suggested that I take it one step further and transport these characters we associate with Halloween into a Christmas setting. And I loved it! I knew instantly I could have so much fun with this! I quickly re-wrote the script. I just couldn’t get the bizarre image of Count Dracula untangling Christmas lights out of my head!

And plus, I figure it’s good that every director, some stage or another makes a Christmas movie! So, I kinda hit two birds with the one stone with this one.

ASouthernLife: This is your first feature film both as writer and director, did you always know you wanted to make movies?
Simon Mckeon: I wanted to be a vet when I was growing up! It was mad. However, all the while I was constantly writing stories and trying to put on these ridiculous plays with my friends for our parents. I am proud to say that I come from a creative family, my Grand-mother was always drawing and doodling, so the arts were very much encouraged when I was younger. I never had a notion of having a career in it. I suppose it was because I always viewed it as more of a past-time.

ASouthernLife: When did you first realize you had a passion for cinema?
Simon Mckeon: The when I was in school, I remember in biology class, the teacher showed us a video from a Veterinarian clinic – an operation....all that blood! I am a bit squeamish so instantly I knew that being a vet just wasn’t for me. That was a strange time, because (as far as I remember), it was only a few days after being shown that video that we began a film making class in school. I wanted to be the actor in it, but my English teacher talked me into writing the script and directing it instead. And I did! Straight away I was hooked. Storyboarding the scenes, directing the actors what to do, creating the shots. I just loved the entire thing! I even got a buzz from the stress of it all.

ASouthernLife: How has filming gone for the film so far?
Simon Mckeon: Filming has been great. We have gotten a lot of help from the community, friends letting us shoot in their houses, people offering up their time for free to help us, we even had people make food to feed the cast and crew!

Of course, like with any production, we have had our problems. The weather has been our biggest battle though. In Ireland, it’s constantly raining and while that may look great on camera, it’s not great on crew members! But thankfully it’s been a good shoot.

ASouthernLife: How has the buzz around the film been both in the UK and North America?
Simon Mckeon: I have been surprised by the buzz the film has been getting in the UK and North America. I had never thought that it would get some recognition, not just outside of Cork City, but Ireland. So to have people talking about it in different countries is pretty overwhelming. We have had a lot of feed-back via our Facebook and our Youtube pages from people in the States telling us how they can’t wait to see it. We even had one guy tell us he had a similar idea a few years back and upon seeing the trailer, was so impressed that he gave us his blessing. I am relieved to say that the buzz from afar has been positive!


ASouthernLife: What can horror fans expect from "Christmas At Dracula's"?
Simon Mckeon: They can expect to see a lot of homages! A lot of films have influenced me in the making of "Christmas At Dracula’s", so I feel that it’s right to pay some sort of tribute to them. But not all are obvious, some are pretty subtle.

One thing I do hope is that the horror fans who see this will find themselves laughing a lot. While it may look like a horror, at it’s heart the film is a black-comedy. Which was a challenge in a way for us, as I didn’t want the fans to feel cheated - they went to a horror, but got a comedy instead. I feel that we have to balance the two equally in order for the fans to feel that they got what they wanted. And, if I am honest, I am pretty confident we have struck that balance.

Stylistically though I think the horror fans will get exactly what they are looking for. I based a lot of the shots on the techniques used in horror films. And there’s a pretty ominous feel running throughout which we ramp up slowly, notch by notch as the film progresses....which should satisfy all those horror fans out there!

ASouthernLife: What is your favorite holiday horror film?
Simon Mckeon: The Gremlins! Wins every time!

ASouthernLife: Which is your favorite of the classic monsters of literature that have become synonymous with the horror genre?
Simon Mckeon: It’s hard to pick one. I love Mary Shelly’s "Frankenstein", not just for the character, but because of the themes she addresses in the novel. I think the theme of how man can "play God" was a pretty bold statement to make, especially for the time it was written. I wouldn’t rate Frankenstein’s Monster as my favourite, however I do rate the book as my favourite in the horror genre.

As for my favourite character - Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde would be up there, the internal struggle is pretty metaphorical. But I think my favourite would have to be "The Invisible Man" by H.G Wells. He’s a very tragic character. What has happened to him is all his doing. He dedicated his life to science research and now he has paid a very high price for it. I think we all have moments when we tell ourselves "I’d love to be Invisible, just for one day"....this character shows the negative side to this. In a way, he’s the personification of the age old question "Is the grass greener on the other side?". Oh and he looks the coolest out of the characters for sure. Dressed in the cloths and sunglasses, he’s dripping in surreal style!

ASouthernLife: Who do you think did it better, telling the stories, Universal or Hammer Studios?
Simon Mckeon: That’s a tough one! I think both studios handled the stories quite well. "Hammer" were a lot edgier though. They took risks, which, when making horror films is a very important thing. In "Dracula: Prince Of Darkness" there was a pretty controversial sacrifice scene.

While the Universal horror films have become dated in time, they are a mile stone in horror. They started the whole thing off in style. Say what you will, but the original Dracula film from ’31 still runs a shiver down my spine. I know it’s a very political answer I am giving, but it’s hard to pick one over the other for me. While "Universal" introduced us to the world of these characters, "Hammer" took the gamble and gave them a unique horror style of their own.

ASouthernLife: What can we expect from you as either director or writer in the future, or will that be "both" as writer and director?
Simon Mckeon: At "El Diablo Productions", we have a lot of things in the pipeline. We are currently in post-production for a short film I have produced called "Bad-Guy", which is a gritty tale about a drug deal gone wrong.....but with a twist.

As for myself, I am currently adding the finishing touches to the screen-plays for an upcoming TV series which we begin production over the Summer. The series is called "Exile On North Main Street" and tells the story of Hollywood screen-writer Dwayne Myers, who after burning all his
bridges in tinsel town moves to his parents home country of Ireland to make a name for himself. It’s a dark-comedy that deals with the decay of the American Dream. It’s told over seven hour long episodes which we hope to start showing early next year.

I think with a film like "Christmas At Dracula’s" being my debut, it can be very easy to be labeled as a "horror director". So for my next feature I want to re-invent myself in a way. What better way than to make a gangster film? The movie is called "Finnegan’s Wake" and is set in Ireland in 1994 during the economic boom. It’s centered around the illegal pornography industry. It’s very much based on the themes of fear, paranoia and surveillance. I don’t want to give too much away, but I can’t wait to start rolling on it.

ASouthernLife:  What is your favorite horror film of all time?
Simon Mckeon: Pretty hard to pick one! "The Shinning" has stood the test of time pretty well. It’s still very frightening to this day. That’s the thing with horror films, the more dated they get, the less frightening they seem to be.

If you put a gun to my head and forced me to pick one, it would have to be "An American Werewolf In London". While it does blur the lines between horror and comedy, when it does horror, it does it very well! It still manages to give frights, nearly two decades after it’s release! Its extremely minimal use of CGI has meant that it hasn’t really dated. The infamous transformation scene is still an uncomfortable watch, while also being a marvel in prosthetic effects! Add to this a kick-ass soundtrack and you have a horror classic that has stood the test of time and will do for years to come!

Release Date Set For “Carne: The Taco Maker”

A VOD release date has been set for Brain Damage Films’ “Carne: The Taco Maker”. The film is directed by Rene Rodriguez and stars Mario Valdez Juarez, Rosemary Soto Rodriguez, Claudia Vazquez, Eric Felicano, Rene Rodriguez in a Chicano slasher, dark comedy. Read the press release below.

Press Release:
Brain Damage Films will be serving up Carne: The Taco Maker On Demand across North America starting June 1st, 2014. Don Taco and family will be sharing their tasty meats on all major and minor Cable/Satellite VOD operators as well as major internet platforms including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, Vudu, Xbox Video and more.


About the Film
Forty years after Charlton Heston warned us that “Soylent Green is people”, Carne: The Taco Maker has come from the dirty streets of Los Angeles to make us all question just what makes our favorite street vendor’s food so delicious. Is it cat? Dog? Human? Or is it just plain old factory-farmed cow? Horror fans will have to find out for themselves when Carne hits small screens everywhere this June.

“I felt the need for a pool of filmmakers that could come together and develop low budget films and highest artistic quality,” said writer/director Rene Rodriguez, founder and director of Teatro Urbano/Chango Cinema. “From my idea of developing a horror movie, together with Josh Sands, Rosemary Rodriguez and René Alejandro Rodriguez, The Taco Maker was created. This was also a family and community project.”

Todd David Schwartz of the Beverly Hills Times gave the film his highest rating of four stars. Raving that Carne is “Crazily entertaining!,” he went on to say “It reminds me of early John Waters, and David Lynch at his most droll. It’s dark, weird, and unlike anything else that’s out there right now. Invite a bunch of friends over and have a wild party while you enjoy it!”



Synopsis
Customers from all over come to taste Don Taco’s secret tasty meat, unaware of what they are consuming and the dark family secret behind his success.

Release Details For “Mischief Night”

Travis Baker’s “Mischief Night” is set for DVD release through major retail chains on May 20th, 2014. The directorial debut of Baker, “Mischief Night” stars Brooke Anne Smith (“Awkward,” “My Wife and Kids”), Marc Valera (“Melrose Place,” “Vanished”), Matt Angel (My Super Psycho Sweet 16 I & II), Nikki Limo (YouTube Star, Smiley), Scream King Malcolm McDowell (Rob Zombie’s Halloween, Silent Night), Lilly McDowell (“Over There,” “Sons of Anarchy”), and Erik Palladino (“ER,” “666 Park Ave”).

“Mischief Night” follows a teenaged babysitter who is stalked by a masked madman. In an unusual turn of events, when victim and victimizer come face-to-face, they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other. The film is currently available through Amazon for pre-order. Check out the trailer for this immediate holiday collection addition.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a holy day for Hindus and Jains. It falls on the third Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the pan-Indian month of Vaishakha and one of the four most important days for Hindus. It is an auspicious day of the birthday of Lord Parasurama who is the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesha began to write Mahabharata. The meaning of the word Akshaya is infinite that which never recede.

In Jain and Hindu calendars, some days of the month are absent in counting and some days (tithi in lunar calendars) come extra, but Akshay tritiya is one day which is never "absent" from the lunar calendar. The word "Akshaya" means the never diminishing in Sanskrit and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. It is believed that if you do charity on this day you will be blessed. On Akshay Tritiya, Mrutika worshiped.

As per Hindu electional astrology (Muhurta) three lunar days (tithis) are auspicious. These are called Sade-Teen Muhurtas also. These Tithis are first Tithi of Bright Half of Chaitra (starting of new year), tenth Tithi of Bright Half of Ashvina (Vijay Dashmi), third Tithi of Bright Half of Vaishakha (Akshay Tritiya- Parshu Jyanti) and first Tithi of Bright Half of Karttika are called “Sade-Teen (3 ½) Muhurt”. The first three tithis are counted as full and the last one as half Tithi and constitute Sade - Teen Muhurt. Sun and moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted equal brightness on this day.

In Hinduism, Akshay Tritiya was the day when Ganesha (Vinayaka), the god of wisdom and obstacle removal, started writing the epic Mahabharata to Ved Vyasa's dictation. This day is ruled by god Vishnu, the preserver-god in the Hindu Trinity. It is traditionally celebrated as the birthday of the Hindu sage Parashurama, the sixth Avatar (incarnation) of the god Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, on this day the Treta Yuga began and the river Ganges, the most sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven.

Check Out The Trailer For Student Film “Utburd”

The story of ‘Utburd’ is based on ancient Scandinavian folklore about the phantasmal incarnations, which can be persuasive or violent, of young children set out in the woods to die. There is this old myth Adrian will portray in his second novel, but he has writer’s bock. He is the childhood friend Kristine and three other friends at a cabin to get away from writing. But out there in the woods he says the legend, and soon is not so sure anymore: the "apparitions" really just an old ghost story?

“Utburd” is Norway’s first feature film by University students from start to finish and is directed by Astrid Thorvaldsen. The film stars Jonas Langset Hustad, Jenny Kaatz, Marte Ingvild Stordahl, Jørgen Hunstad, Asbjørn Røen Halsten. ‘Utburd’ premieres at Kosmorama on May 2, 2014.


Utburd trailer (2014) from Utburd on Vimeo.

Crowd Funding Started For “The Hospital 2”

Crowd funding has began for psychological nightmare “The Hospital 2”. From the minds of Daniel Emery Taylor and Jim O'Rear (the team behind the original film plus the comedy-horror FAT CHANCE) comes a new tale of exploitation that is set to sicken, titillate, and enrage audiences once more. The project has set up shop over at Indiegogo where you can find the deets to all the rewards for supporting this indie horror film.

is the sequel to the award-winning and controversial film titled THE HOSPITAL, released worldwide from Deviant Pictures in January 2014.  Since that time, THE HOSPITAL has gained a huge following internationally, arriving in over 150 million homes and retail outlets with still more to come.  It was even banned in Bulgaria and removed from shelves across the United Kingdom due to it's unflinching portrayal of violence.

Due to overwhelming public demand, Deviant Pictures was offered a worldwide distribution deal to create a sequel to this film that is fast becoming a cult classic.

THE HOSPITAL 2 will continue pushing the envelope of what is allowed to be shown on screen while maintaining its dark sense of humor.  The sequel will feature genre favorites Kevin Van Hentenryck (Basket Case 1-3), "Scream Queen Of The Decade" Debbie Rochon (American Nightmare), Jim O'Rear (The Dead Matter), Daniel Emery Taylor (The Return Of Swamp Thing), and Scott Tepperman (Ghost Hunters International).

Final Trailer Released For “Legend Of The Hillbilly Butcher”

The final trailer has been released for upcoming horror film ‘Legend Of The Hillbilly Butcher”. The film is directed by Joaquin Montalvan and follows the terror the is Carl Henry Jessup who, after trespassers invade his property, takes matters into his own hands.

Once gleeful to just while away the days drinking and reminiscing about the good ole days with his half sister Rae Lynn and his friend Billy Wayne. “Legend Of The Hillbilly Butcher” is produced by SLEDGEHAMMER films. The film is scheduled to be released in the fall 2014.

Scream Factory DVD/Blu-ray Release Details For “The Final Terror”

Scream Factory has announced the DVD/Blu-ray release of “The Final Terror.  The classic horror is directed by Andrew Davis and stars John Friedrich, Adrian Zmed, Ernest Harden Jr., Lewis Smith. “The Final Terror” hits shelves on July 1st.

A group of forest rangers go camping in the woods, and trespass into an area where a backwoods mama likes to kill people who come onto her turf.

Scream Factory released this statement about the film’s DVD transfer:

“This release was a challenge for us to execute. All of the original film elements (negative and inter-positive) were lost and we searched for them for months. In order to create this new HD transfer, we sourced five film prints from collectors and used the best reels. The film looks better than ever (considerably more than its VHS release, of course) but we do feel it is important to disclose that there is some mild discoloring during reel 2.

We have done everything possible to minimize it (for some viewers, it will barely be noticeable) but wanted to communicate it all the same beforehand and know that we did the best we could with what we had to work with.”

Special Features:

• New Audio Commentary with director Andrew Davis
• New interviews with actors Adrian Zmed and Lewis Smith, Post Production Supervisor Allan Holzman and composer Susan Justin
• Original Theatrical Trailer

First Trailer For Sci-fi Drama “Extant”

Check out the first trailer for CBS’s sci-fi drama series “Extant”. The series stars Halle Berry, Camryn Manheim, Sergio Harford, Goran Visnjic, and is a futuristic thriller following a female astronaut trying to reconnect with her family when she returns after a year in outer space.

An astronaut (Berry) returns home from a year long solo mission in space. She tries to reconnect with her husband and son in their everyday life. Her experiences in space and home lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history.

Dealing In Death And Anime: My Interview With Director Vishal Rajput

“The Berserk Death Dealer” is a fused genre blending story bringing anime vision into live action territory, written and directed by Vishal Rajput. “The Berserk Death Dealer” is the first film for Rajput’s production company Planet Boom Boom and is original story concept with near groundbreaking visual design. I had the chance to interview Vishal about the Berserk Death Dealer and his vision of live-action melded with anime.

The Berserk Death Dealer is the bad-ass assassin Young Alejandro, of the Demon Clan. He can smoke a joint in one puff, drain a bottle in one gulp, and talk trash better than anyone. And when he gets going, his blades sing, his fists fly, and his enemies' heads explode. His demonic master, Basilisk, has plans for Alejandro -- but everything changes when Alejandro discovers his humanity and spares the life of a young mother. Now Basilisk is out to destroy Alejandro, with the help of a new protégé -- Amon, a ruthless assassin formed from the souls of 1,000 serial killers.


ASouthernLife: When did you first come up with the idea for "The Berserk Death Dealer"?
Vishal Rajput: The Idea for The Berzerk Death Dealer came to me after Interning under the production company, Smooth Sound Multimedia. I learned how to direct movies under the owner, Jerry Jackson. I always had a crazy imagination to do wild movies coming straight from head, simple plot and make it very effective! My main inspiration for this movie was the Gothic/action game, Devil May Cry!

ASouthernLife: Was the film always meant to be a fusion between anime and live-action?
Vishal Rajput: Yes! With cool and ultra cool characters, it had live anime style written all over it.

ASouthernLife: This is your debut feature film, what made you choose "The Berserk Death Dealer" and does it showcase your vision for Planet Boom Boom's future?
Vishal Pajput: I really wanted to do a stand out type of film that captures the heart of many who are looking for something different to watch. Something that is fresh and innovative for low budget films that can be done with high quality. Does this show case my company future, Yes and a No! All my films will be different from one another and will top the last film. Every fan will have his or her favorite for sure.

ASouthernLife: Has the film shown at festivals thus far, and How has the fans responses been toward the film at the festivals that have shown "The Berserk Death Dealer"?
Vishal Rajput: We have not yet entered the film just yet. It's still in post-production and it's almost coming to an end. Thank the rock and rolling heavens.

ASouthernLife: When can we expect the film's release?
Vishal Rajput: Distribution will def take place earliest next year. This year is to finish the film up and show it in many mouth watering horror film festivals to gain the film its popularity that it deserves.


ASouthernLife: At what age did you first realize that you wanted to make movies?
Vishal Rajput: I wanted to make movies at the age of seven. After watching Jackie Chan movies and martial art movies in general. That's the genre I started with because I always loved fast, fluid, non stop hand to hand action. Old school kung fu movies were definitely the shit! Simply bad ass and when they dubbed it in English it was even better because it was hilarious!

ASouthernLife: What is your favorite anime series creators and is there any creator that deserves more attention that may not be seen as much as -say-Naoko Takeuchi or Hideaki Anno?
Vishal Rajput: Kentaro Miura is my favorite Manga artist. He's the artist and writer of the manga, BERSERK. It seriously is highly berserk. Set up in a medieval setting where berserk things are happening every moment. He's been a big inspiration to me in art and writing in general. One talented guy and I seriously hope I can direct his manga into a live anime movie one day! It's my biggest dream. Kohta Hirano is another great manga artist that has a taste for hyper violence. He's well known for his Hellsing series that is a vampire phenomenon. It's based upon the story of Dracula who goes by the name, Alucard serving his master, Victora Hellsing. Together they are slaying the undead and trying to stop the Nazi World War. It's just damn amazing! I believe every manga artist has his or her day with their anime. Everything in the world for recognition is just fair.

ASouthernLife: What can anime fans expect from "The Berserk Death Dealer" and Planet Boom Boom that may be unexpected?
Vishal Rajput: Anime fans can def expect the hardcore velocity lines when the characters fight the film. The over the top stylish representation of camera angles are all there. Brutal violence that shatters the nerves with eye popping x-ray scenes are included. A total blood bath that just entertains and entertains!

ASouthernLife: Seeing the recent interest in anime blended live action storytelling with projects like "Manborg" and "The Metal Hurlant Chronicles" do you feel more directors and artists will move into the field?
Vishal Rajput: I believe not. I feel those movies just happened to be there. Though they are great, I highly doubt any director in the world has their company just focused on making live anime style like my company does. Anime is always emerging and fans are getting hungry for live anime and I'm here to present it to them.

ASouthernLife:  Who handled the illustrations on "The Berserk Death Dealer"?
Vishal Rajput: My best F'n friend Gerardo Prado(Reno) and I have handled all the illustrations upon my film. Gerardo handles all the photoshop material while I handle all the hand drawings. Gerardo is one talented man and I'm glad that he is a part of my team. He made my company logo for me. When there are two creative forces working together, nothing can stop them from creating art into real life. I hope that make sense, hahah.

ASouthernLife: Who are some of your favorite anime illustrators and who would you love to work with in the future?
Vishal Rajput: Kentaro Miura is my number one. Kohta Hirano, Buronson, Go Nagai, Ayami Kojima, and Kaoru Kurimoto. They my BIG SIX favorite anime illustrators. I'm always wishing them the greatest success in their careers because they deserve ever bit of it. I'd love to work with Kentaro Miura the most and the director Ryuhei Kitamura. His movie, VERSUS is what got me into the splatter/horror/action genre. It was very anime style and ultra bad ass. I watched it over 200 times because that's how killer the movie was to me. Ryuhei Kitamura's directing style played a big part inspiration in my directing style as well. So big ups to him and his career as well! Rock N' Roll!

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Happy Beltane

Today is Beltane or May Day which ever name you choose to title this very festive day. It is a glorious time that solidifies the spring in our world and lives. The first flowers are blooming, the rains have given life to the trees in the hills and the grass under our feet. A truly wonderful season indeed.

Today is also the pagan festival to the Lares, familial and communal spirits that watch over us all in our homes and our places of travel. This is a repeating holiday that flows throughout the year at many times of celebration, transition and days of honor. Call it ancestor worship, spirit magic or what you may, the Lares maintain a constant presence in our lives and must be acknowledged and shown affection so that they can protect and watch over our homes, places of worship and roads we travel both in this world and the supernatural one. So have a blessed day and have a safe and wonderful day of celebration.

If anyone wonders why Buddha sets at the altar at all times it is because he and his principles guide all I do in my spiritual dealings, daily affairs and balance. He is the godhead that anchors and balances all that I do. All my other gods and goddesses in my personal exploration of paganism set at his table. For me he is truly the wisest teacher and guide. The rains cancelled out my fire festival celebration last night on Walpurgis but today is looking really nice thus far so my fire will burn sweeter tonight. 

Release Date Set For “Lucky Bastard”

A release date has been announced for NC-17 horror film “Lucky Bastard”. The film is about a porn website run by Mike that invites fans to have sex with porn stars. Jay Paulson plays Dave, an eager young fan given a chance to have sex with the fabulous Ashley Saint. But everyone gets more than they bargained for in the seemingly mild-mannered Dave... with gruesome results.

Press Release:

See what happens when the adult film industry and “found footage” mix in the indie, horror-thriller LUCKY BASTARD when it becomes available On Demand starting May 15th.

When the adult website LUCKY BASTARD runs a contest giving the winner a night with a famous porn star, the outcome turns from fantasy to horror in a deadly nightmare no one could possibly have expected. LUCKY BASTARD stars Don McManus (GRAND PIANO, LOVELACE), Jay Paulson (MAD MEN), and Betsy Rue (MY BLOODY VALENTINE).

LUCKY BASTARD will be available on Cable on Demand, YouTube, Google Play, PlayStation Network, and XBox Live starting May 15th. Eager fans of indie horror and genre films will be happy to find that LUCKY BASTARD is now available for pre-order (both rental and EST) on Amazon Instant Video.

“Lucky Bastard” is directed by Robert Nathan and also stars Chris Wylde, Catherine Annette, Lanny Joon, Lee Kholafai.   - See the red band trailer here.

Trailer Released For “Anna”

The official trailer has been released for Jorge Dorado’s ‘Anna’. The film stars Indira Varma, Taissa Farmiga, Mark Strong, Brian Cox, Noah Taylor and Saskia Reeves. “Anna” hits VOD and limited theatrical release on June 6th, 2014.

A man with the ability to enter peoples’ memories takes on the case of a brilliant, troubled sixteen-year-old girl to determine whether she is a sociopath or a victim of trauma.

Pagan Festival Shout Out:Festival Of Lares

Lares are the Roman guardian spirits of house and fields, ancient Roman deities protecting the house and the family — household gods. The Lares were worshipped in small sanctuaries or shrines, called Lararium, which could be found in every Roman house. They were placed in the atrium (the main room) or in the peristylium (a small open court) of the house. Here people offered food to the Lares on holidays. read more here.

From the Late Republican and early Imperial eras, the priestly records of the Arval Brethren and the speculative commentaries of a very small number of literate Romans attest to a Mother of the Lares (Mater Larum). Her children are invoked by the obscure, fragmentary opening to the Arval Hymn (Carmen Arvale); enos Lases iuvate ("Help us, Lares"). She is named as Maniaby Varro (116–27  BC), who believes her an originally Sabine deity. The same name is used by later Roman authors with the general sense of a bogey or "evil spirit". Much later,Macrobius (fl. AD 395–430) describes the woolen figurines hung at crossroad shrines during Compitalia as maniae, supposed as an ingenious substitution for child sacrifices to the Mater Larum, instituted by Rome's last monarch and suppressed by its first consul, L. Junius Brutus. Modern scholarship takes the Arval rites to the Mother of the Lares as typically chthonic, and the goddess herself as a dark or terrible aspect of the earth-mother, Tellus. Ovid supplies or elaborates an origin-myth for the Mater Larum as a once-loquacious nymph, Lara, whose tongue is cut out as punishment for her betrayal of Jupiter's secret amours. Lara thus becomes Muta (the speechless one). Mercury leads her to the underworld abode of the dead (ad Manes); in this place of silence she is Tacita (the silent one). En route, he impregnates her. She gives birth to twin boys as silent or speechless as she. In this context, the Lares can be understood as "manes of silence" (taciti manes).


Stories connect the Lar to the hearth, the underworld, generative powers (however embodied), nourishment, forms of divine or semi-divine ancestry and the coupling of the divine with the servile, wherein those deprived by legal or birth-status of a personal gens could serve, and be served by, the cults attached to Compitalia and Larentalia. Mommsen's contention that Lares were originally field deities is not incompatible with their role as ancestors and guardians. A rural familia relied on the productivity of their estate and its soil: around the early 2nd century BC, Plautus's Lar Familiaris protects the house, and familia as he has always done, and safeguards their secrets.

The little mythography that belongs to the Lares seems inventive and poetic. With no traditional, systematic theology to limit their development, Lares became a single but usefully nebulous type, with many functions. In Cicero's day, one's possession of domestic Lares laid moral claim of ownership and belonging to one's domicile. Festus identifies them as "gods of the underworld" (di inferi). To Flaccus, they are ancestral genii (s. genius). Apuleius considers them benevolent ancestral spirits; they belong both to the underworld and to particular places of the human world.

Bressack To Direct Horror Film “Squeal: Blood Harvest”

James Cullen Bressack has signed on to direct horror film “Squeal: Blood Harvest”, to be produced by Dismal Productions in association with MOnsterworks66. The film is currently in preproduction and scheduled for a 2015 release. The screenplay, written by Michael Hultquist (Arena, Victim) based on an original story concept by Seth Metoyer and Shannon Hilson, with Bill Oberst Jr. set to play the lead role as Uncle Ollie.


SQUEAL: Blood Harvest follows the story of young Maggie Crane and her brother Jake as they attempt to unravel the mystery behind Jack’s recurrent nightmares of squealing pigs. After a move to their Uncle Ollie’s farm, Maggie and her camera further explore the dark and sinister foundation of her brother’s fears to the tune of chilling revelations.

Bressack has become synonymous with Indie horror, both visceral and psychological with his film's such as "Hate Crime" (kick ass movie that had me cringing the whole time), "To Jennifer", "13/13/13" and "My Pure Joy". He has also been active in the production of a series of horror anthologies focused on showcasing other up and coming
indie horror filmmakers.

Bressack's Twitter account has recently achieved 'verified' status, which is almost unheard of for an indie film director. His official Twitter page can be found here here

A&E Adapts France’s Supernatural Series “The Returned”

A&E has announced a 10 episode straight-to-series order of French supernatural drama ‘The Returned’. Casting is set to begin promptly with the first episode written by ‘Bates Motel’ writer Carlton Cuse. Raelle Tucker (“True Blood”) has signed on to write and as executive producer for the supernatural/suspense series.


‘The Returned’ opens in a small mountain community which is rocked to its core when several local people who are presumed dead suddenly re-appear at their homes. Despite having passed away some years earlier, these ghostly characters appear in human form, they have not aged, and they are completely unaware of their own fatality. Determined to reclaim their lives and start over, they slowly come to realize that they are not the only ones to have been brought back from the dead. Their return augers torment for their community when a series of gruesome murders bear a chilling resemblance to the work of a serial killer from the past. This is a homecoming like no other.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Beltane/May Day

Beltane (/ˈbɛlteɪn/) is the Gaelic May Day festival. Most commonly it is held on 1 May, or about halfway between the spring equinox and thesummer solstice. festivities typically begin the evening before, on the last night of April (Walpurgis Night). It's a time to welcome the abundance of the fertile earth, and a day that has a long (and sometimes scandalous) history.

Beltane was one of four Gaelic seasonal festivals: Samhain (~1 November), Imbolc (~1 February), Beltane (~1 May) and Lughnasadh (~1 August). Beltane marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season, when livestock were driven out to the summer pastures. Rituals were held at that time to protect them from harm, both natural and supernatural, and this mainly involved the "symbolic use of fire". There were also rituals to protect crops, dairy products and people, and to encourage growth. The sí (often described as 'the spirits' or 'the fairies') were thought to be especially active at Beltane (as at Samhain) and the goal of many Beltane rituals was to appease the sí. Beltaine was a "spring time festival of optimism" during which "fertility ritual again was important, perhaps connecting with the waxing power of the sun".

This Sabbat is about new life, fire, passion and rebirth, so there are all kinds of creative ways you can set up for the season. Depending on how much space you have, you can try some or even all of these ideas -- obviously, someone using a bookshelf as an altar will have less flexibility than someone using a table, but use what calls to you most.

Colors of the Season

This is a time when the earth is lush and green as new grass and trees return to life after a winter of dormancy. Use lots of greens, as well as bright spring colors -- the yellow of the daffodils, forsythia and dandelions; the purples of the lilac; the blue of a spring sky or a robin's egg. Decorate your altar with any or all of these colors in your altar cloths, candles, or colored ribbons.

Fertility Symbols

The Beltane holiday is the time when, in some traditions, the male energy of the god is at its most potent. He is often portrayed with a large and erect phallus, and other symbols of his fertility include antlers, sticks, acorns, and seeds. You can include any of these on your altar. Consider adding a small Maypole centerpiece -- there are few things more phallic than a pole sticking up out of the ground!
In addition to the lusty attributes of the god, the fertile womb of the goddess is honored at Beltane as well. She is the earth, warm and inviting, waiting for seeds to grow within her. Add a goddess symbol, such as a statue, cauldron, cup, or other feminine items. Any circular item, such as a wreath or ring, can be used to represent the goddess as well.

Flowers and Faeries

Beltane is the time when the earth is greening once again -- as new life returns, flowers are abundant everywhere. Add a collection of early spring flowers to your altar -- daffodils, hyacinths, forsythia, daisies, tulips -- or consider making a floral crown to wear yourself. You may even want to pot some flowers or herbs as part of your Sabbat ritual.
In some cultures, Beltane is sacred to the Fae. If you follow a tradition that honors the Faerie realm, leave offerings on your altar for your household helpers.

Fire Festival

Because Beltane is one of the four fire festivals in modern Pagan traditions, find a way to incorporate fire into your altar setup. Although one popular custom is to hold a bonfire outside, that may not be practical for everyone, so instead it can be in the form of candles (the more the better), or a table-top brazier of some sort. A small cast-iron cauldron placed on a heat-resistant tile makes a great place to build an indoor fire.

Other Symbols of Beltane

• May baskets
• Chalices
• Honey, oats, milk
• Antlers or horns
• Fruit such as cherries, mangos, pomegranates, peaches
• Swords, lances, arrows

(about.com)

DVD Release Details For “Wrath of The Crows”

MTI Home Video has announced the DVD release for “Wrath Of The Crows”. The film will hit shelves on June 17th, 2014  and stars Tiffany Shepis, Debbie Rochon, Tara Cardinal, Domiziano Arcangeli and Suzi Lorraine. “Wrath Of The Crows” is directed by Ivan Zuccon. The film's Special DVD Features include: Behind the Scenes, Making of Visual F/X, Closed Captioned, Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, 16:9 Widescreen Format, 5.1 Dolby Digital Sound and Trailers.


In a dirty, squalid narrow jail, prisoners are forced to suffer injustices both from their guards and the ruling officer. Feared by all, however, is a man nobody there has ever seen–The Judge. When new prisoner Princess arrives, seemingly out of nowhere and dressed only in a crow's feathers coat, her radiating and sensual appearance begins to cause not only curiosity but also envy, suspicion and a deep sexual agitation. Soon, Princess reveals her dark and supernatural nature, moving objects through the power of her mind and displaying feats of otherworldly strength...

Wicked Poster And Full Trailer For “Dark Awakening”

Check out the first promo poster and full trailer for upcoming horror “Dark Awakening”. The film is directed by Dean C. Jones and stars Lance Henriksen, Jason Cook, Valerie Azlynn, William Pifer and Lauren Sesselmann.

With the death of his mother, and a frustrating career as the city's District attorney James Thomas decides to move his wife (Jennifer) and seven year old son (Danny) to the family's estate home in rural Cedar Rock Falls, North Carolina.

Shortly after the transition Jennifer and Danny begin to experience strange paranormal occurrences. The house is haunted by the apparitions of nine dead children. Seeking answers and solace for the nightmare they are going through Jennifer approaches the local parish priest (Father Donovan) .

Unfortunately the mystery deepens as she discovers that he holds the darkest secret of all. He is cognizant of the origins of the dead children, the reason for their resurrection, and how and why it ties to her beloved husband James.

Release Date Announced For “Willow Creek”

A release date has been announced for Bobcat Goldthwait’s “Willow Creek”. The film will be released by MPI in New York on June 6th with more dates to come later in the summer. “Willow Creek” stars  Alexie Gilmore, Bryce Johnson,  and follows aspiring documentarian (Bryce Johnson) and his skeptical actress girlfriend (Alexie Gilmore) as they take a tour of Northern California’s Trinity National Forest in search of Sasquatch.

Kevin Smith Takes On Krampus

Kevin Smith has announced to The Hollywood Reporter that his next feature will be about the mythical side-kick to Santa, Krampus. Justin Long and Haley Joel Osment will re-team with Kevin Smith to star in “Anti-Claus”, a film about darker side of the holiday story. “Anti-Claus” will start filming in September with Robert Kurtzman returning to handle the special effects after having worked with Smith on “Tusk.” XYZ Films has picked up all international sales rights to the holiday nightmare.

Scream Factory Announces “Ravenous” Blu-ray Release Details

Scream Factory has announced the blu-ray release of 1999’s cannibal horror, “Ravenous”. The film is directed by Antonia Bird and stars Guy Pearce (Iron Man 3, Prometheus), Robert Carlyle (Once Upon A Time) and David Arquette (Scream 4). The disc goes on sale June 3rd, 2014.

It's a recipe for nonstop action and excitement when the inhabitants of an isolated military outpost go up against a marauding band of cannibals in a deadly struggle for survival! Ever watchful of the enemies who might literally tear them apart, the uneasy alliance of soldiers must fight brutal elements of the Sierra Nevada wilderness – as well as their own murderous instincts to stay alive.

Bonus features:

Commentary With Director Antonia Bird And Composer Damon Albarn

Commentary With Screenwriter Ted Griffin And Actor Jeffrey Jones

Commentary With Actor Robert Carlyle

Deleted Scenes With Commentary By Antonia Bird

New Interview With Actor Jeffrey Jones

Theatrical Trailer

TV Spot

Two Still Galleries – Costume Design And Production Design

New Images Released For “Guardians Of The Galaxy”

Check out Chris Pratt in new images from upcoming sci-fi “Guardians Of The Galaxy”. The film stars Zoe Saldana, David Bautista, Lee Pace, Benicio Del Toro, Glenn Close, John C. Reilly, and the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel. “GOTG” hits theatres August 1st,  2014 and is directed by James Gunn.

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team—the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure, Marvel's “Guardians of the Galaxy” expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits—Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand—with the galaxy's fate in the balance.

Trailer Released For Anthology “Beyond The Embers Vol. 1”

The first trailer has been released for upcoming horror anthology “Beyond The Embers Vol. 1”. The  film is inspired by Twilight Zone: The Movie and The Outer Limits, Beyond the Embers: Volume I, written and directed by Bellamie Bachleda and Dack Virnig, is an anthology of four short but bizarre tales loosely tied within an equally hair-raising central story.

Follow easygoing but reserved Frank and doomsday prepper Bill- the best buddies and their girlfriends, impish Amy and paranoid new girl Samantha- on an overnight hiking trip that ends up being out of this world.

The four curious stories told among the group include greedy debtors who owe a fiendish stranger a hefty due, a young woman who witnesses a murder in a dreamy premonition, a family with dark secrets and a disastrous plan, and the revelation of the mysterious disappearance of Frank's sister. The fine line between truth and tale dissolves as they uncover an ultimate discovery which is just as unsettling as the tales they tell.

“Way Of The Wicked” DVD/Blu-ray Release Details

Kevin Carraway directed thriller “Way Of The Wicked” gets ready for DVD/ Blu-ray release May 20th. The film stars Vinnie Jones, Christian Slater, Emily Tennant, Jake Croker, Aren Buchholz and Matthew Robert Kelly.

The teenager Robbie Mueller, who has a reputation for murderous supernatural, has his eye on the daughter of the local police detective. Concerned as he is the agent decides to call from a mysterious man, Father Henry Polotti, to uncover the truth. Assistance in But when they delve into Robbie is a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, created even before they reveal the true secret.

Trailer Released For “Bat Outta Hell”

The official trailer has been released for  “Bat Outta Hell” previously known as “Nowhere Else”. The film is directed by Danial Donai and inspired by actual events. “Bat Outta Hell” stars Vernon Wells, Rachael Murphy and Marco Dapper.

Four young filmmakers have just returned to the Gold Coast after making their first successful surfing documentary. Two devious film producers fund their next surfing documentary and send them down to shoot at the Great Australian Bite. The excited filmmakers make their journey through the eerie landscapes of the South Australian desert. They take a shortcut from the main road to seek food and shelter in a forgotten dusty town called “Nowhere Else.”

After a night of disturbing events, they make a quick exit from the town. They become lost and their SUV is strangely immobilized, which leaves them stranded in a God forbidden place. They seek shelter for the night in an eerie old abandoned church, which stands out of place in this baron landscape.

What started out as an exciting fun trip for a surfing documentary now turns into a night of unspeakable terror and a fight to survive.

Check Out The New Teaser For ‘The Strain’

Check out the new “Body Bags” teaser for FX’s ‘The Strain’. The series premieres this summer . The series stars Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland and Miguel Gomez. His army will rise this summer.

‘The Strain’ is a high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Corey Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City. He and his team are called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.

Teaser Trailer Released For “The Chair”

A teaser trailer has been released for “The Chair”, an upcoming horror film based on the Alterna Comics graphic novel of the same name. The film is directed by Chad Ferrin and stars  Brian Thompson, Bill Oberst Jr., Eric Roberts, Naomi Grossman, Zach Galligan, Derrick Damions, Noah Hathaway, Susan Eisenberg, Ezra Buzzington, Kyle Hester, Jacob Banser, Loren Lester, Timothy Muskatell, and Kin Shriner.

“The Chair” follows the story of Richard Sullivan, an innocent man struggling to escape execution on death row. Witnessing the torture and murder of his fellow inmates at the hands of the prison's sadistic and psychotic Warden, Sullivan decides that the only way to survive is to fight back. But as he matches the savagery and brutality occurring in the prison, Sullivan is forced to come face to face with his own sanity.

New Trailer For “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes”

Check out the new international trailer for “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes” hitting theatres July 11th. The film is directed by Matt Reeves and stars  Andy Serkis, Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, Jocko Sims, Judy Greer, Keri Russell, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

UK 10th Anniversary Re-Release Of “The Last Horror Movie”

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Soda Pictures has announced the UK DVD re-release of Julian Richards cult hit THE LAST HORROR MOVIE with a street date of May 5th 2014. Meanwhile, US distributor MVD has also scheduled a commemorative release with a North American street date of August 26th 2014. This special collectors edition includes a directors commentary, behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes and this startling new cover art.

THE LAST HORROR MOVIE follows wedding photographer, Max Parry, a smooth talking serial killer who is determined to make the ultimate film about murder. He chooses his victims by recording his film over a generic horror VHS before returning it to rental store and waiting for the next person to rent it, hence the title. THE LAST HORROR MOVIE had its world premiere at FrightFest in 2003 and quickly made an impact on the festival circuit winning 16 awards including, Best UK Feature at Raindance, Best Film at New York Independent Horror Film Festival, Best Film at Eerie Horror Film Festival and the prestigious Melies D'Argent for Best European Fantasy Film awarded annualy by the European Federation of Fantastic Films.


After an ingenious marketing campaign at the Cannes Film Festival where the croisette was daubed with hundreds of faux police wanted posters, THE LAST HORROR MOVIE was snapped up by Fangoria for US theatrical distribution and opened at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas. THE LAST HORROR MOVIE was eventually released in over 20 territories and became a sensation in the UK where it remained at number 2 in the DVD charts for over a month, beating out many Hollywood blockbusters.

MJ Simpson, author of Urban Terrors: New British Horror Cinema, commented on the forthcoming release of THE LAST HORROR MOVIE "For my money, it's a strong contender for the best British horror film of the 21st century and if you've never seen it, here's your chance to remedy that."

Promo Poster And Movie Details For “Dutch Hollow”

“DUTCH HOLLOW”: Suspense/Thriller motion picture to be filmed in Los Angeles starting May 4th 2014. The film is hoping for a Halloween 2014 release.

WHEN A YOUNG FEMALE MURDER SUSPECT IS FOUND DEAD, HOMICIDE DETECTIVE DOUG ELLIS IS FORCED TO CLOSE ONE CASE, ONLY TO OPEN ANOTHER. BUT HIS OBSESSION WITH THE TRUTH PLACES HIM SQUARELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CASE HE’S SUPPOSED TO BE INVESTIGATING.

The story opens with the grisly murder of 22 year-old ERICA SHAW, the main suspect of the police dubbed “Loss of Life” murders that took place the following year. Immediately dispatched to the crime scene in the Dutch Hollow ravine is DOUG ELLIS, a hard-bitten LAPD detective who’s been on the hunt for Erica for the better part of the year, but to no avail… that is until now. Erica’s case shifts from suspect to victim.

Shooting commences on May 4th in Los Angeles. Starring newcomer Darrell Akins, Robert Parks-Valletta (Days Of Our Lives), James Duval (Donnie Darko, Independence Day, SLC Punk), Dion Basco (Dahmer, City Guys), Robbi Morgan (Friday The 13th) , John Otrin (Friday The 13th Part VII: The New Blood), Bobby Edner (Spy Kids 3) Additional casting announcements soon to be released. Dutch Hollow is written & being directed by Mike Hermosa, Produced by Britton Hein, Perigil Ilacas, Brad Detanna, Michael Mavrolas.

Check Out The Teaser Trailer For “The Horror Network Vol. 1”

The first teaser trailer has been released for Brian Dorton and reelEpic’s horror anthology “The Horror Network Vol. 1”. The film brings together some of indie horror’s Brian Dorton himself along indie directors  Joseph Graham, Ignacio Martín Lerma, Manuel Marín and Lee Matthews creating chilling tales in the vein of "Creepshow", "Tales From the Crypt", "Tales From the Darkside", "Trilogy of Terror" in five terrorific stories.“The Horror Network Vol. 1” stars Nick Frangione, Artem Mishin, Jan Cornet, Brian Dorton, Charlotte Armstrong, Jenni-Lea Finch, Brad Anderson, and Macarena Gómez.

A woman is taunted by an unknown caller in the middle of the night. A troubled young man sleepwalks and sometimes wakes up with blood on his hands, his therapist uses hypnosis to try and unlock the secrets inside his troubled mind. Instead, he awakens a monster. A little girl and her mother live in an bizarre world of fear and pain, unable to regain their lives after the scars left on them by the brutal beatings endured. A serial killer preys upon a teen boy that he befriends. When a young, deaf schoolgirl is bullied and left to take the long walk home alone, she realizes that she's being followed and a frantic game of cat and mouse begins.

Pagan Festival Shout Out: Floralia

In ancient Roman religion, the Floralia was a festival in honor of the goddess Flora, held April 27 during the Republican era, or April 28 on the Julian calendar. In Latin, the festival was known as the Ludi Florae, the Games (ludi) of Flora. Under the Empire, the games lasted for six days. The festival had a licentious, pleasure-seeking atmosphere. In contrast to festivals based on Rome's archaic patrician religion, the games of Flora had a plebeian character.


Floralia began in April, the Roman month of the love goddess Venus, it was really an ancient May Day celebration. Flora, the Roman goddess in whose honor the festival was held, was a goddess of flowers, which generally begin to bloom in the spring. The holiday for Flora (as officially determined by Julius Caesar when he fixed the Roman calendar) ran from April 28 to May 3.

The celebration in honor of Flora included floral wreaths worn in the hair much like modern participants in May Day celebrations. After the theatrical performances, the celebration continued in the Circus Maximus, where animals were set free and beans scattered to insure fertility. A rite called the Florifertum is described by one source as involving the bearing (fert-) of wheat ears (spicae) into a shrine (sacrarium). It is unclear whether the offering was made to Flora or to Ceres, or whether if made to Flora it occurred on April 27 or May 3.Ovid describes a florifertum in honor of Juno Lucina on March 1,  a date also celebrated as the dies natalis ("birthday") of Mars in whose conception Flora played a role.

Official Trailer For “Wolf Cop” Released

The official trailer has been released for “Wolf Cop”. The film hits Canadian theatres on June 6, 2014 and stars Leo Fafard, Amy Matysio, Jonathan Cherry, Sarah Lind, Aidan Devine and Jesse Moss. “Wolf Cop” is directed by Lowell Dean.

It's not unusual for alcoholic cop Lou to black out and wake up in unfamiliar surroundings, but lately things have taken a turn for the strange...and hairy. WolfCop is the story of one cop's quest to become a better man. One transformation at a time.

New Poster For “The Horror Network Vol. 1” Plus Stills From “The Deviant One”

Check out the new poster for horror anthology “The Horror Network Vol. 1”. The anthology, from reelEPIC Entertainment,  offers up a slice of thrilling terror to be released later this year, just in time for the holiday season. The project is one that Dorton and reel Epic Entertainment are very excited about as it showcases some of the newest indie talent in the Horror community.

Also check out the stills from one of the anthology’s segments titled “The Deviant One”, a story about A serial killer who preys upon a teen boy that he befriends. If you haven’t already read my earlier interview with Brian Dorton about the film here.